getting older slowly

Agreed the menu in PG is very good and about the only thing asked for was to substitute a side which was not a problem.... would like a large cabin on a longer cruise, but would only go on a less than 7 nighter.... as happy to dress up, but not fond of it... Cheers Don

We Were at our TA and talking about short cruises and she suggested a 3 nighter on Cunard.. I am glad she suggested the Princess Grill Suite as we generally travel in a suite.. so the experience was very good, we probable not would have enjoyed it as much in a standard balcony.... If you have any questions feel free to ask. Cheers Don.... soon time for a G&T

I will try to explain better...the aisle ways in the buffet are narrow and flow means there are a lot of people funneled into aisle between the tables.. also it was a short cruise.. I am thinking a lot of people not dressing up. so everybody went to the buffet.. so it seamed crowded.... as guests the looked like any cruises and real variety of different people... It was just a surprise as the rests of the ship was calm and relax,, where the buffet was full of people with everybody talking a real night and day thing cheers Don

Spot on with Dressing up... Suit and tie for dinner every night ok for shorter cruise... we are in the group of not younger and will be old one day.... the ship did have an old world feel which was lovely.... the staff we delt with were all wonderful..... got a feeling becasue we are very easying going, that they deal with a lot of intitled people, and just went with the flow. Cheers Don.... waiting for lunch

You are spot on Julie the cabin are club class minies ,, but with tea and coffee machines.. In the Princess Grill you have the same table.. so it is sitting there waiting for you... nice Boarding was a breeze.. so calm and relaxing... ( princess could take note ) Cheers Don

Hi Lissie On Princess we travel in either a vista or penthouse suite.. Some pluses are free laundry, breakfast in your own resturant, and club class dining for kunch and dinner,,,,, Cheers Don

Hi All We have only been on Princess and decided to jump ship So a Trip on Cunard Queenn Elizabeth 3 nighter in Princess Grill Suite The good, Boarding was calm not crowded and relaxing overall time from arriving at Terminal to sitting at Lunch about the same bit over 30 minutes Food at Grills restaurant very good (you have a set table for the voyage, which is waiting for you) Food I would say next level above Princess, staff in general all very friendly and helpful the big difference is noise level… if club class was walled off from the main dining room they would be the same . Also the Grill area only for Suite guest is a ship within a ship and rather quiet. Went through the Buffet (the Lido ) OMG Crowded people everywhere almost Chaos compered to Princess food looked similar… General differences in ship layout Cabin Corridors all have dog legs and are narrow as well as cabin door flush with the walls.. also a lot of passage way in the main public area have no windows, and often no straight passage more dog legs, so there are few long corridors, the grand foyer is not that big, but having said that the ship has a warm comfortable feel and lot of timber Overall Cunard was very good, fares a quite a bit dearer.... but drinks are dear firstly in US dollars and have 15% gratuities on top. So the $10 glass of wine on the menu is costing you $16.50.. which is making wine about 60+% more on cunard ( one was aware of this.. just as well it was only 3 nights lol ) and adding the daily gratuities of $20pp would add up on a longer cruise .. So with everything included it bring up the daily total cost per person in a suite including drinks by 50%, and as a side point in a suite half the of princess Money aside one rather enjoyed Cunard and would go again tomorrow but only for a short trip. Would I jump ship no. Princess is good value for money, and better for longer cruises For a special occasion one would go on Cunard 7 night max Cheers Don with Coffee

Hi Alll Thanks for your replies We had a great time, and would go again tommorrow The Grills Lounge and Princess Grill were very good and the staff excellent along with great food, which we both enjoyed. The Cabin was comfortable Wondering it next time we try the Queens Grill.. a bigger cabin would be nice but is Queens Grill resturant better than the Princess Grill ?? Cheers Don and Magda

Hi All Going on our 1st Cunard Cruise in 2 days on the QE, just a 3 nighter Melbourne to Tasmania in Australia We are in A Princess Grill Cabin and will be dressing in a suit for dinner We are packing light and generally travel / board in blue jeans. polo and runners it is ok for lunch ?? Or black jeans, polo and boots ?? Thank You in advance Don

Another thought... you can do the Seasider from dunedin station about an hour... Nice short trip.... with coastal views Cheers Don PS you can't organize it through the ship.

Hi All Sorry about basic questions... but I like things to go as smoothly as possible.. We are going on the QE in 2 months for a short cruise from Australia and are staying in a Princess Grill Cabin Rather excited about trying a new cruise line and have not long to wait ...... We are in our 60's and have only 100+ days of cruising so far Questions :- Our dinner time in the Princess Grill is 6pm..... which is a little for us 7pm would be a lot better Can we change this once on board ?? 'Gala night Theme.... is a suit and tie all right ?? Boarding times do you think there is any chance of being on board for lunch ?? If so what is open.... ? Any other hints would be very nice Many Thanks Don and Magda

On Gala Nights do you have to follow the theme or is a suit and tie ok ? Coming up to our fist time on Cunard Cheers Don

Hi All Went to our TA today....to book another cruise.....a 13 nighter on Princess November 2023.... Then asked about a short cruise early next year...... We have so far only cruised Princess to the tune of 100+ days Nothing on Princess suitable..... then she suggested what about Cunard a 3 nighter to tassie in Feb 23 on the QE She found a Princess Suite a couple of hundred more than a balcony.... so said why not....... Thus beside dressing up.... and the wine list being in US$ any thing i should be aware of ?? Cheers Don

Elisa.... I am sorry to hear about your time on the Grand,,,, particularly as we got off on the 17th Nov after 13 nights the next day testing positive... Feeling better now but still lack of energy ( flat batteries.. lol ).... We did find Guest Services a bit hit and miss.... once stood there for 5 minutes and were ignored ... just walked off in disgust.... We would think they would have their Covid plan down pat.... Now I am not so Confidante booking more cruises Cheers Don

Another point about how things were handled. was lack of public area for people to gather... as they all went to appointed area (ie Elite and Platinum to the Casino 850+ people when we walk through it was packed ) we ended up sitting in Alfredo''s on deck 5 thankfully quiet.... Then because people where everywhere they dumped the staging areas, and called groups to disembark... The only thing was instead of one group at time it was four or more.... meaning people everywhere... somewhat kaotic..... I don't remember the captain saying anymore than wear masks at all time except cabin, drink or eatting, as we ""have some cases on board"" Cheers Don

Not School Bus but Coach.... being use as pay shuttle to town at dunedin... It was embarrassing for one lady on ample proportions she just managed to squeeze into a seat for two.... we did not see her get off the bus at the ship.... but she may have needed some assistant to get out Cheers Don

It is about 1.5-2hrs each way toilet of bus good question... One thing have noticed a lot of coaches use for cruise ship seam to have rather tight seating.... which would put us off being crammed in for over 30 mins witjout a stop leaft alone a couple of hours , but that is me cheers Don

A couple of photos for you ( i went to sleep while they were downloading to laptop lol ) Milford sound Doubtful sound Taruranga No People but evenat 6.30am people tthe IC Grand at Lyttelton

Ahh the button lady i would say mid fifties (young)... we saw her four time. One thing to keep in mind on Grand class ship the aft lift. only the two outside ones go to decks 6 to 16 and the centre two decks 7 to14 other point was we first saw her about four days into the cruise the first time we came into the lift foyer presses up for the outside lift ...next the lady arrives press down buttons on centre lifts. next she press all the up buttons as well. we stand back and watch.. centre stops she charges in ... ""öh this lift is goes I want to down "" get out.. then other lift stop charges in again "" oh this lift only goes to 7 I want 6 and get out... she is walking back forward across the foyer making sure all buttons are press.... while she is at the other side the end lift opens going up we quick get in press the door close to go to 15,,,, The other time where pretty similar One gent told her to go to 7 and walk 6 she replied i don't want to go to 7 Some people Cheers Don

Right overall, everything was pretty good, cabin was in good condition, interestingly one change is suite cabins they now have a group of dedicated room stewards whom only look after suites,,, and the little green button on key pad at the door worked a treat,,, also Laundry was the quickest we have found leave the bag when going to dinner and it would be back the next evening when we got back from dinner... ( did it 3 times worked like clockwork ), swapping minibar was seamless.. We did meet one of bar staff at canapes who boarded at Auckland, who remember us from our last Cruise on the Golden Dec 2019 ( Amazing ) About the medallion thingie open the door every time...lol Worked well when buying a bottle of wine at the bars... But surprised to see a lot of bar staff and wait staff still using pen and paper and room number. Also after being on board for about half an hour, it felt like only yesterday we were on board not 3 years... this is good.... Strange people we saw the button lady in the aft lift well it was about the time we were going to canapes... she want to go to deck 6 for dinning room and she would press all the button both up and down,, and go to lift go it then say this is going up or only go to deck 7 and get out.... anyway overall good cruise we enjoyed ourselves.... would we it do again yes... were masks a problem no.. Cheers Don..... ready for after breakie lie down haven't download the photos from the cameras yet..... might upload some later...........

Thanks Barry club class deck 6 starboard side part of the Di Vinci MDR... no shared tables except for those travelling together. only saw a group of 4 a few time. Since arrived home have lost appetite only but on a Kilo on the cruise but need to lose weight the doc says so.... A glass on wine over dinner it still a must bu \t no G&T's at the moment.. soon and yes we did wear our masks all round the ship... no shows... only time masks were off was to partake in food and beverages and in cabin. did use stairs most of the time Cheers Don getting ready to dinner ( chicken tonight )

Thanks all for the good wishes.... the lounge in very comfortable... I would just like to say a this time.... we did enjoy our cruise Loved all the staff at Club Class... they were great We did go to canapes each night for ones G&T. and the better half's sauvignon blanc, before dinner... overall.. the crew were great Price of wine has gone up &53 per bottle... but our OBAccount was still within the budget More good point to follow Don Lie down time

Right continuing on..... Covid so far cold, runny nose, a little cough, acies and pain..... and did i say cold sitting in lounge heater on 25 deg trackies and windrcheater... other things a bit like old age....lol Slight rough crossing a bit of pitching but nothing bad... got into Milford sound toally calm... very nice..... so far have had lunch adn dinner at Club Class.. service very good likewise with the food... one is happy. Breakfast in Crown grill food it good.... But for us to order to order bacon and eggs.... you had to ask for everything Each Day... Bacon English ( not burnt to crisp Bacon ) Eggs over else or sunny side... Tried for not runny but they didn't manage to do it.... Toast ok but you have to ask to butter... something little, but not up to previous times.... as stated on the first dinner at the Crown Grill.,, Breakfast a littie luck luster.. Day 4. Dunedin. still a lot of unmasked passengers... seams the going rate to bus into town is $35 per head return.. Canape is still busy but not as bad as first night drinks on but food id below par... By Wellington started noticing Food trays outside door fro breakfast lunch and dinner in our area on 16 cabins including cabin next door by Auckland 6 cabins Due to a storm we missed Napier... AT Wellington went to alferdo''s for lunch.... great pizza... to the point the next 2 port day did the same thing.. Did i say great pizzas with Cabernet Merlot Right the continuing saga of food at Canapes got half thought server at 6pm.. found the warming plate under the hot food was OFF thus cold food... not good enough... After asking found the Captain Circle host was the one the see...... so after lunch went to see her... notice on door stated open 2pm so only 5 mins away so waited... at 2.30pm the FCD lady arrived still no CCH... at 2.35 she arrives we follow her in.. and she tells us she will be back at 3pm and walk out.. grabbing noticed off the door and pulling it in the bin,, and left us standing there without us saying a word ( note all she had to say was she had an urgent appointment, I am sorry about your wait, what it your cabin number I will give you a ring as soon as I am Back ) Don not happy... went to Guest Services.. explained what happen,they were not impressed and told them about the cold food, food in general, bar going outside to talk photo while servicing.. etc... Outcome.. the CCH rang about 40 mins later you could tell she'd be spoken too... to smooth thong out... also got a bouquet of flowers and free drinks a canapes and calls from both food and beverage mangers Time for lunch Don

Hi All.. Only had internet for one day... so not live ( after the fact ) ( today tested positive to covid just to top it off ) Right boarding..... arrived at noon.... started check in at 12.30.... everybody seamed to be priority check in found out later over 500 elite about 350 platinum we were platinum and in a suite..... It seam like chaos... and had one carry on bog... a lady at the scanner got quite factious of have two bottle of wine in one the bag finally lets go. AT 12.50 walking down to the gangplank... board deck 6 head straight to Club Class Dining sitting at the table by 1.00pm have a very nice lunch Red snapper and a sauvignon blanc. make it to our room cases waiting unpacked and relaxed Dinning at the Crown Grill that night, but first canapes at One Five...... totally crowded serve overrun ... food well more about that later Crown grill food ok asparagus was dead... chips and steak ok overall a bit lack luster.... Also the tasting plate was off the menu for dessert.. end up at the buffet to dessert not bad.... The Grand overall seamed to be well maintained and clean ( crew always cleaning ) one thing missed was the central stairwell from deck 7 to deck 14 this is crew only unlike the Golden use to use these stairs to drop down to go to dinner without going down along deck 7 Mask on boarding and for the first few days some staff and a lot of passengers not wearing masks Demographics on passengers mixed.... a few younger couples with children... lots of walkers.....a quite a few testing the SWL of chairs .. but mainly retired I would say.. Time for a lay down will continue after nana nap Don on lounge soon to be laying on

on 4 th Nov arrived noon waited in line until 12.30pm arrived seat 12.35pm check in though customs sceening slow 12.55pm on board in club class dining 1.05pm Cheers Don on the Grand